Shadow Rings

Chapter 7

"So Zander tells me that you guys have alot of vehicles. And that you like restoring them. I loved the mustang." Making awkward small talk as he walked me to the garage, if you could really call it that. It was more like another house attached to the original house.

"Heh....Yeah you can say that. That mustang wasn't anything though, that was just our latest project we just finished. Zander likes to show it off." He chuckled a little bit, I'm guessing at his brother's antics. Making our way to the door, he continued talking as he unlocked the door. "Here, close your eyes."

"Why?" I looked at him confused.

"That way you can get a full view all at once." He came behind me and put his hand over my eyes. "Trust me, I wont let you fall...that much.." he laughed lowly in my ear.

"Thanks for the boost of confidence there." Shaking my head at him, and smiling a little bit. He pushed me forward slowly.

"At least it is not too far of a walk, and you dont have to step over anything."

"Well there is that."

"Open your eyes on the count of three...one...two...three...now open your eyes..." he quickly took his hand from my eyes. Next thing I know I heard a click from a light switch being flicked on. I could not help but gasp in amazement. There were so many cars, trucks and jeeps. Not just new ones, but old ones too. I almost couldn't believe my eyes.

"How in the world did you guys manage to get so many cars and I mean expensive cars." Looking at him pointedly. "I mean this in the nicest way possible but how on a teachers salary? I know that you guys dont make that much."

"Well, Zander and I, we inherited alot when our parents passed away along time ago. And we just let it collect interest over the years. Collecting and fixing up cars, just became a hobby for us. I guess. What vehicle did you want to take, you can choose." Waving his arm in a sweeping motion towards the vehicles.

"Are you serious?" I asked excitedly. He smiled and nodded his head. Looking around I seen a lifted jeep wrangler. It looked like it was used for rock climbing. Pointing at it I asked. "How about that one?"

"Good choice. It would be fitting for today. And I already have hiking stuff in there." He walked over to a locked box on the wall, unlocked it and took out what i assumed was the jeep keys.

"Remind me if i ever want to steal a car from you, for a joyride, to pickpocket you first." Looking where he placed the key in his pocket. Making sure to look obvious about it.

"Heh...heh.. honey if you ever need to borrow a vehicle, for whatever reason, all you have to do is ask. But if you really want to try, go ahead. I would like to see you try. I probably would not mind one bit." He winked at me, making me blush like crazy. Which all he did was laugh at.

"If we want to go hiking and get back at a decent time, we better go now." Waiting for him to unlock it so I could jump in. I stuck my tongue out at him for good measure.

"Oh, we will have plenty of time sweetheart. We mainly have just been waiting on Zander. He wanted to come last minute." He jumped into the driver's seat, while I took passenger. He pressed a button and the garage doors opened.

"How did you know? That he wanted to come that is. I never seen you with your phone out.

"Call it a twin thing. But we will talk more on that at a later date." Moving on to a completely different topic all together. It left me curious and wanting to know. Next thing I knew Zander hopped in.

"So what are we talking about?" All that met him was silence.

                       *********
It took us about an hour to get there. The whole way I felt awkward and I did not know what to say. So most of the time I looked out the windows, at the trees passing by, and listened to them talk about school. I can not get over the fact that I am here in a car with them and that they are my teachers non the less. They act so much like students.

Looking  around me it was all greenage. It was positively beautiful, the trees were so tall some had multicolored leaves on them, while others were just green. The birds were chirping, and if you listened closely you could hear a waterfall off in the distance. I looked at the boys, I realized they were at the back of the jeep getting things out. I already had my bookbag and my boots on, didn't think I needed anything else.

"It is beautiful here. How in the world did you guys find this place? I could stay here forever." Looking up at the sky I closed my eyes, enjoying the suns rays on my face.

It's a little talent I have finding hidden things. This isn't even the best place yet. Wait till you see where we are hiking too." It was Zues who was talking I was sure. "Here. Eat this, a little snack before we head our way in." I slowly opened my eyes and there was Zeus standing next to me holding out a granola bar.

"Thank you." I gave him a small smile.

"Alright does everyone have everything?" Zander asked looking at me in particular.

"Why did you just stare at me when you asked? I have the 2 things I brought. I have one on my feet and one on my back." I was talking with a mouthful of food, but I didn't care.

"Just because." He laughed and moved off to the trail, which was hidden behind a tree. If you didn't know it was there you would never find it. "Come along sweetheart, we have a tad bit of a walk to do.

"I got a question for you guys. Why do you guys call me honey and sweetheart? You guys are teachers shouldn't it be weird?"